Rusty chain

[Pedal pusher]

I've offered to strip and clean an old bike for a friend. It's been sat outside for quite a while and the chain is rusty. He doesn't want to buy a new chain so any suggestions on how to clean the chain?

 

[ianrauk]

Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe

That should do it

 

[Sharky]

As above.

If too many of the links are seized, then probably not saveable.

7/8 speed chains are only £7 or so. You could just treat him to a new chain if he is your friend. But it might show up a worn cassette as well.

Is the chain on your own bike compatible? Treat yourself to a new chain and give your old one?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Will it be worth it? Sounds like the friend is just going to continue to neglect it.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

If you are doing several things to the bike then I would take the chain off first and dump it in a tub of oil and leave it there to soak through first

then see what state it is in after you finish everything else

isn;t that what plastic takeaway containers are for???

 

[Cycleops]

Not located north of the border is he by any chance, or maybe Yorkshire?

 

[wafter]

While I'm all for saving stuff there's also the question of your time - one might interpret said mate's request as a p*ss-take; essentially requesting that you spend a disproportionate amount of your time trying to salvage the knackered chain as your time is worth less than the few quid it would cost them to replace it..

Have you run it by a chain checker? Of course any salvage attempts will be worthless if it's worn out already.

All that said; worth removing it and slinging it in a jar of paraffin for a bit to try and free it up..?

 

[Sharky]

plastic takeaway containers

Anoyingly, the ice cream tubs we usually buy from our local Waitrose, used to be solid plastic tubs, ideal for a multitude of diy uses in the garage.

Now replaced with single use cardboard tubs instead.

 

[biggs682]

WD40 or an other brand all over the chain then take it for a ride and see what happens or how far you get .

 

[midlife]

single speed / fixed or geared?

 

[Paulus]

Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe

That should do it

I'm with you.

 

[rockyroller]

don't boil it in olive oil, on the stove, w/ your Mom's pot

 

[Chris S]

If you've got some caustic soda then soak it overnight.

 

[GuyBoden]

As above.

If too many of the links are seized, then probably not saveable.

7/8 speed chains are only £7 or so. You could just treat him to a new chain if he is your friend. But it might show up a worn cassette as well.

Is the chain on your own bike compatible? Treat yourself to a new chain and give your old one?

Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Lube, Wipe
Throw in the bin.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

don't boil it in olive oil, on the stove, w/ your Mom's pot

WRONG!!!



don't GET CAUGHT

boiling it in olive oil, on the stove, w/ your Mom's pot